ROV-deployable subsea wellhead protector

Abstract

A protector for placement over subsea wellheads. A main body is cylindrical, with an inner diameter of sufficiant size to fit over a subsea wellhead. One end of the main body has a cap across it. A vent and a pump-through port, which permits pumping in of corrosion inhibitors, is in the cap. The open end of the main body has an outwardly flaring skirt to help guide the protector into place over the wellhead. The main body is formed from polyurethane via molding or other suitable methods.

We claim:  
     
       1. A protector for subsea wellheads, comprising: 
       a) a main body comprising a hollow cylindrical portion with a cap across one end, and having an inner diameter of sufficient size to fit over a subsea wellhead, said main body formed from an elastomer;  
       b) a fluid port comprising a check valve assembly, permitting fluid injection into said main body, disposed on said main body;  
       c) a fluid vent disposed on said main body;  
       d) an ROV handle attached to and protruding from said main body, said handle adapted to be grasped by the grasping arm of an ROV,  
       wherein a weight of said protector is sufficiently low for an ROV to manipulate and position said protector atop a subsea wellhead.  
     
     
       2. The protector of  claim 1 , wherein said main body further comprises an outwardly-flaring circumferential skirt around an open end of said main body. 
     
     
       3. The protector of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one observation port in a wall of said main body. 
     
     
       4. The protector of  claim 1 , wherein said elastomer comprises a polyurethane. 
     
     
       5. The protector of  claim 4 , wherein said protector is formed by a pour molding process. 
     
     
       6. A lightweight, ROV-deployable protector for subsea wellheads, comprising: 
       a) a main body comprising a hollow cylindrical portion with a cap across one end, and having an inner diameter of sufficient size to fit over a subsea wellhead, and further comprising an outwardly-flaring circumferential skirt around an open end of said main body and at least one observation port in a wall of said main body, said main body formed from a polyether polyurethane;  
       b) a fluid port comprising a check valve assembly, permitting fluid injection into said main body, disposed on said main body;  
       c) a fluid vent disposed on said main body;  
       d) an ROV handle attached to and protruding from said main body, said handle adapted to be grasped by the grasping arm of an ROV,  
       wherein a weight of said protector is sufficiently low for an ROV to manipulate and position said protector atop a subsea wellhead.  
     
     
       7. The protector of  claim 6 , wherein said protector is formed by a pour molding process. 
     
     
       8. A protector for subsea wellheads, comprising: 
       a) a main body comprising a hollow cylindrical portion with a cap across one end, and having an inner diameter of sufficient size to fit over a subsea wellhead, said main body formed from a plastic;  
       b) a fluid port comprising a check valve assembly, permitting fluid injection into said main body, disposed on said main body;  
       c) a fluid vent disposed on said main body;  
       d) an ROV handle attached to and protruding from said main body, said handle adapted to be grasped by the grasping arm of an ROV,  
       wherein a weight of said protector is sufficiently low for an ROV to manipulate and position said protector atop a subsea wellhead.  
     
     
       9. The protector of  claim 8 , wherein said main body further comprises an outwardly-flaring circumferential skirt around an open end of said main body. 
     
     
       10. The protector of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one observation port in a wall of said main body. 
     
     
       11. The protector of  claim 8 , wherein said protector is formed by a pour molding process.